Getting Back to Basics: Thinking Beyond Pink Ribbons

The focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month has me thinking a lot about cancer. I’ve run, walked, and raised money for The Cure along with millions of others over the years, yet there is still no cure. Huge amounts of money are raised every year, but less than 25% actually goes to research “The Cure”. Breast cancer rates have increased 40% in my generation (since 1978). Given this sad statistic it’s clear to me that research is not getting enough funding.

As the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, I’m feeling more strongly than ever that we have to think about prevention, not just cures. There are many theories about what causes cancer, but few concrete answers. Studies continue to uncover environmental contributors and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers.